The Philadelphia Eagles have been embroiled in locker room drama since the start of the season. The anemic offense has caused tensions between the starters, and it feels like they won't let up any time soon. Eagles legend and fan favorite LeSean McCoy was the latest name to get involved in the drama. After watching the Thursday Night Football matchup between the Bengals and the Steelers, Shady posted on X, "Wow so Jamar Chase can get 23 targets but AJ BROWN can’t get 10 solid targets."
McCoy is referring to the fact that Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase finished the game with a whopping 23 targets and 16 receptions, on his way to 161 yards. 23 targets ranks third among the most targets in a single game and sets a Bengals franchise record. AJ Brown, on the other hand, has only got double digits in targets once this season, and is averaging 7.5 targets per game.
LeSean McCoy Adds to Eagles' Locker Room Drama
The former Eagles' star's comments can be interpreted in a variety of ways. It's partly taking a shot at Jalen Hurts for not being able to get the ball to Brown. It's also about offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo and Nick Sirianni.
While there are plenty to criticize with the coaching staff and Hurts, this is not a very fair comparison. Chase is elite at creating separation and is arguably the best wide receiver in the league. He is by far Cincinnati's best offensive weapon, as the Bengals have an underwhelming rushing attack with Chase Brown and Samaje Perine as their lead backs. The Eagles, on the other hand, have to spread the ball out with more mouths to feed and have the league's best offensive player from last season as their running back.
If anything, Patullo can be criticized for being too reliant on the passing game to try to keep his star receivers happy. In recent weeks, the Eagles have moved away from running the ball. Saquon Barkley has only gotten 18 carries in the last two games.
Brown is also not blameless here, as his effort and intensity level have left plenty to be desired this season, catching only 55.6% of his targets, by far the lowest mark of his career. Cutting his routes short has been widely noted by Eagles fans and media through the first six weeks of the season.
While McCoy has every reason to be frustrated by the Eagles' offense, Brown's lack of targets is low on the list of problems. Philadelphia doesn't need to use Brown like Chase to have one of the best offenses in the league. Whether they can get back to that level this season, regardless of Brown's targets, will determine the fate of their season.